Home > About Bedales > Teacher Case Studies > Michael Newman, Head of Chemistry, Bedales

Michael Newman

Head of Chemistry, Bedales

BSC (Hons), Natural Science, Durham University
Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Durham University

What makes a good teacher at Bedales?
"One that listens to the student voice and actions, and makes appropriate adjustments to help or challenge; a rational one, keen to enquire."

What are you trying to encourage and instil in your students?
"An appreciation of the beautiful through understanding at a profound level, be it atomic or contextual; control over their time and destiny."

Apart from your teaching role, what else do you get involved with at Bedales?

• "Chernobyl Children’s visit: local Petersfield families take in primary school age children from Belarus for a period of time and give them hope, better health and love. They visit us for three days to play with Bedalians! I organise the Bedales end.
• Fundraising: charity shop clothes show, walk to Chernobyl, hessian bags, balloon races, Pink Day.
• Kids’ Camp: facilitate the students to organise a residential visit by students from an Emotional Behavioural Difficulties unit run by Barnardo’s.
• Peace One Day
• Knitting
• Science club
• Croquet
• Sport and Outdoor Work
• Tutoring

Why do it? I am challenged by the scenarios and students. I have to learn new skills and that is a lifelong raison d’etre. Bedalians never cease to amaze and they are given the opportunities to do so much more than any other school."

In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?
"Arts and Crafts: the craft is the academic education and is a given – it is fit for purpose. The art is the decoration and care that makes it special. The freedoms and opportunities afforded the students allow them to embellish and redefine their holistic education."

What is your best memory of Bedales?
"The return of the Swaziland trip 2008. Jealous I could not go, but excited that they were proud of what we had all achieved."

Who or what inspires you?
"Everything and everyone!"

Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
"I have played two of Shakespeare’s great rustics - Sir Toby Belch and Bottom - in outdoor productions that went on tour for a month each summer performing in front of large and small audiences. I aspire to complete the trio and play Falstaff – I just need a theatre company."

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